Alright, let's get into it. You’re a CEO, a founder, a leader—you’ve built something from scratch, or maybe you’ve taken the reins of a company with history. But here’s the thing: today, it’s not enough just to steer the ship. To elevate your company, to really put it on the map, you need to go beyond the corporate mission statement. You’ve got to create a personal brand.
Now, what’s a personal brand, and why should a CEO care about it? Think of it this way: your personal brand is how people perceive you as the face of the company. It’s a combination of who you are, what you believe in, and the impact you’re making in the world. The public will see your company through the lens of who you are as an individual. People want to connect with people. They’re way more likely to buy into your company if they can connect with you, not just a logo or a mission statement.
So, let’s dive into some secrets on how to create a personal brand as a CEO that’s going to elevate your company. And we’re not talking fluffy stuff here; these are practical, no-BS tactics that actually work.
1. Embrace Authenticity (Yes, Really)
If you’re inauthentic, people will sniff it out faster than you can say “brand.” Authenticity is the currency of trust. As a CEO, people want to know what you stand for, what drives you, and why you’re doing what you’re doing. Are you building a tech company because you genuinely love tech and want to innovate, or are you just chasing a paycheck? Share your journey, your struggles, and your wins. Show the human side. The most successful CEOs and founders we know today—think Elon Musk, Richard Branson—they don’t hold back on their personalities. They’re real people with quirks, opinions, and passion.
When you’re authentic, people trust you, and that trust extends to your company.
"Your personal brand is your reputation. And your reputation in perpetuity is the foundation of your career." - Gary Vee
2. Be Strategic About Social Media
Look, social media can be a powerful tool or a massive time-waster, depending on how you use it. The trick is to focus on where your audience hangs out. If you’re a B2B company, maybe LinkedIn is your place. If you’re targeting a younger crowd, maybe it’s Instagram or TikTok.
The key is to show up consistently, offer value, and engage. Don’t be the CEO who’s just a name on the door. Be the one who’s sharing insights, responding to comments, and even challenging conventional wisdom. Share industry insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and lessons you’ve learned the hard way. Show the world that you’re actively thinking and innovating in your space.
3. Share Your Vision Loud and Clear
Here’s the deal: no one cares about the nitty-gritty of your company as much as they care about the why. Why are you in this business? What change are you trying to bring? This isn’t just some branding fluff; it’s the heartbeat of your brand. People are drawn to a compelling vision.
A personal brand that elevates a company is always tied to a vision that people can rally around. And that means you have to talk about it—a lot. Share it in your interviews, your social media, even in casual conversations. Make sure everyone in your circle knows exactly why you’re doing what you’re doing and what you hope to achieve.
4. Create Value Beyond Your Product
You’re not just selling a product or service; you’re delivering value. If all you’re doing is pushing your company’s product, people will tune out. Instead, think about what kind of content, advice, or resources you can offer that go beyond your main business.
This could mean publishing insightful articles, speaking at conferences, or starting a podcast where you can share your expertise. Offer value, become a thought leader, and create a resource that helps people. When they see you genuinely care about the industry, they’ll start to view you—and your company—as a go-to source, not just another business pushing a product.
5. Build Connections with Other Influencers
Whether you love or hate the term “influencer,” the reality is, people look to people with influence. It’s time to network with others in your industry, or even adjacent industries, who have a following and share your values. This could mean collaborating on a project, co-hosting an event, or just engaging with them on social media.
By associating yourself with other respected voices, you’re essentially borrowing credibility and amplifying your reach. Just make sure it’s genuine. Reach out to people you actually respect and share common ground with, not just anyone who’s got a lot of followers. The goal is to expand your personal brand’s reach without coming across as inauthentic or desperate.
6. Don’t Shy Away from Controversy (When It’s Genuine)
I’m not saying you need to be reckless or pick fights, but if there’s something you genuinely believe in—even if it’s controversial—stand up for it. Controversy can be powerful because it creates engagement, sparks conversations, and shows that you’re not just another corporate suit.
Of course, be smart about it. Don’t dive into controversy just for the sake of it. But if there’s a topic that’s important to you, whether it’s related to your industry or not, don’t be afraid to make a stand. People are drawn to leaders who aren’t afraid to speak their mind. It’s risky, sure, but people respect a CEO who’s not afraid to take a stand.
7. Be Accessible
People want to feel like they can reach you. That doesn’t mean you’re taking every single call or answering every DM, but creating a brand that feels accessible makes people feel connected. Maybe that’s a monthly AMA (Ask Me Anything), or an open comment section on LinkedIn posts, or the occasional Q&A on Instagram.
Letting people feel like they have a connection with you makes them more invested in your success—and by extension, your company’s. It’s a simple tactic that creates a ton of goodwill.
8. Keep Evolving and Sharing Your Journey
Finally, remember that a personal brand is a journey, not a destination. As your company grows, as you evolve, keep sharing your story. People love seeing growth, change, and new ideas. Show your evolution, be transparent about the lessons you’re learning along the way, and your audience will stick with you.
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Look, as a CEO, your personal brand isn’t just a “nice-to-have.” It’s a powerful asset that can elevate your company to new heights. People want to connect with real leaders, not faceless corporations. So, go out there, embrace your story, and share your passion and values with the world. When you do, you won’t just be leading a company—you’ll be building a legacy.
If you need to grow your personal brand, jump on a call with me and let's talk about your best strategy!
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